Bangkok: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, alongside the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, engaged with investors during a session organized by Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group on the sidelines of the World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, to outline Pakistan’s economic outlook and financing strategy.

According to Press Information Department, the Finance Minister focused on fiscal consolidation, primary surpluses, and progress under the IMF programme. He discussed easing inflation with a projected growth range of 3.5% to 4.5%. The conversation also included strengthening reserves, remittances, and IT exports, while addressing debt repayments, bilateral rollovers, and a shift away from costly short-term borrowing.

The Minister responded to queries about foreign exchange liberalization, agricultural income tax, fiscal devolution, and the issuance timing of rupee-denominated, dollar-settled bonds, indicating that future issuance would depend on market conditions and debt strategy. He stressed the importance of export-led growth, tax and tariff reforms, and building stronger buffers to maintain stability beyond the IMF program and improve sovereign ratings. Discussions also touched on climate shocks, regional conflict, and energy prices, with defense needs expected to be managed within the budgeted allocation.